Eagles vs. Rams snap count analysis: Avonte Maddox continues to impress

Here’s a breakdown of the snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles’ crucial 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15 of the 2018 NFL season.

OFFENSE

The Eagles’ starting offensive line played most of the entire game, save for Jason Peters missing a handful of snaps. Note that Stefen Wisniewski started at left guard with Isaac Seumalo out. Philly’s o-line allowed zero sacks and only three quarterback hits on Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.

Alshon Jeffery played the entire game and boy was he productive. His 160 receiving yards on eight receptions were the most of his Eagles career and the third highest total in his NFL career.

Nelson Agholor played the entire game and only saw two targets. He had one reception for eight yards.

Zach Ertz only had three receptions for 22 yards but he actually finished second in total targets with seven. Jeffery was first with eight targets. Ertz now has 101 receptions on the season.

Dallas Goedert saw two targets and catch both for 12 yards.

Josh Adams saw the most playing time of any Eagles running back despite the fact he was in and out with some injury issues. Adams struggled to be efficient as he only gained 28 yards on 15 carries (1.9 average). The undrafted rookie did have a touchdown run.

Golden Tate’s playing time was limited once again but he made the most of it by catching all five of his targets for 43 yards. Tate finished second behind Jeffery in receiving yards.

After recently being phased out of the rotation, Wendell Smallwood has been forced back into action due to injuries. Smallwood proved his doubters wrong (myself included) by contributing two touchdowns and 48 yards on 10 carries. He also had two receptions for nine yards. Smallwood having a good game was the theme of Sunday night. Just a total team effort with guys stepping up.

The 35-year-old Darren Sproles continues to show he has some gas left in the tank. His three rushing attempts went for 30 yards. He also contributed with three receptions for 16 yards. Sproles had one punt return for 13 yards.

Richard Rodgers got flagged for holding on one of his only four snaps played. Not great.

DEFENSE

One week after playing TWO GAMES worth of snaps in Dallas, Jim Schwartz’s players were relied heavily upon once again. Despite having every reason to be exhausted, the Eagles’ D played with a lot of energy.

If you include special teams snaps, Malcolm Jenkins has played 201 total snaps in the last two weeks. That’s crazy. He still managed to finish second on the team in tackles with 12. Jenkins notched two tackles for loss, including one that really set the tone on the first play of the game.

Corey Graham got the start at safety despite Avonte Maddox returning. The veteran defensive back logged a pick for the second week in a row.

Maddox played 100% of the snaps in his first game back from injury. The Eagles had him start on the outside opposite of Rasul Douglas. Maddox responded well by finishing with three tackles, two passes defensed, and one interception. The rookie defensive back has been VERY impressive. He’s lined up in the nickel, at safety, on the boundary ... and has played well wherever he’s been utilized. Early in his career, Maddox looks like a stud. Hopefully a great piece for this defense for years to come.

Cre’Von LeBlanc got the start in the slot once again with Maddox working on the outside. He missed a few snaps due to injury but he played pretty well overall. He’s looking like a nice pickup off the waiver wire for Philly.

Michael Bennett played the most snaps of any Eagles defensive lineman. He finished the game with two quarterback hits. Brandon Graham played the second most snaps but did not record a stat.

Fletcher Cox missed some time after getting evaluated for an injury but he came back and ultimately had three tackles, two hits, one sack, and one tackle for loss. He was really working that Rams interior offensive line at times.

Chris Long has one tackle and two quarterback hits.

If Smallwood stepping up wasn’t a good enough example of how this was a complete team effort, Haloti Ngata made his presence felt with one tackle, one pass deflection, and 0.5 tackles for loss. Haloti Ngata! Did you even remember he was on the team?

Newly signed defensive end Daeshon Hall saw nine defensive snaps in his Eagles debut. He struggled in run defense.

After playing 62% of the Eagles’ snaps against the Cowboys, De’Vante Bausby only saw one defensive snap in Los Angeles. And that was due to LeBlanc briefly missing time.

SPECIAL TEAMS

D.J. Alexander was the one who recovered JoJo Natson’s muffed punt return late in the game. Clear recovery!

B.J. Bello made one special teams tackle in his Eagles debut.

Cameron Johnston had a nice night. He averaged 51.7 yards on his three punts, with two of them being downed inside the 20-yard line.

DID NOT PLAY

Inactives: Carson Wentz, Sidney Jones, Jordan Hicks, Isaac Seumalo, Timmy Jernigan, Boston Scott, Matt Pryor

Active: Nate Sudfeld